December 13, 2021 4 min read

If you've tried Delta-8 for yourself, you're probably familiar with its therapeutic potential, which closely mimics the effects of traditional THC products. You're probably also aware that Delta-8 is a touch milder than traditional THC, and although it is psychoactive, the experience is incredibly functional. The question is, can you drive on Delta-8 safely? And is it legal?

The answer is no, you shouldn't drive on Delta-8, even if you feel totally in control and capable. Driving under the influence is illegal and unsafe in all circumstances, and there may be some additional risks to driving on Delta-8 that you aren't aware of. Here's what to know:

Table of Contents:
Delta-8 Gets You High
Driving Under the Influence is a Serious Offense
Delta-8 Looks Like Delta-9
Alternative Relief While You Drive
Can You Carry Delta-8 in Your Car?
Where to Buy Delta-8-THC

Key Takeaways

  • Driving under the influence of Delta-8 is potentially dangerous and illegal.
  • Delta-8-THC may appear as Delta-9 on a drug test, which may cause further implications if you're caught driving under the influence.
  • Instead, you may use non-psychoactive CBD products to supplement Delta-8's therapeutic benefits when you need to drive.
  • Although you cannot drive while under the influence of Delta-8, you may be able to carry Delta-8 products safely in your car to consume in another location.
  • Make sure that the Delta-8 products you buy are legal and made according to safe manufacturing practices.

Delta-8-THC Gets You High

Although Delta-8 effects are more mild and functional than traditional THC products, it is still psychoactive. That means it has the ability to affect things like vision, depth perception, spatial awareness, and general focus.

A hemp leaf, the original source of all legal Delta-8-THC products that will get you high.

Most importantly, though, some Delta-8-THC products may take a while to kick in. While you may feel very capable directly after the Delta-8 dose, the intensity of Delta-8's effects could be delayed, meaning you could suddenly begin to feel very high while behind the wheel if you choose to drive. This is very unsafe in any circumstance, so it's best to have a designated driver or just stay home when using Delta-8-THC.

Driving Under the Influence is a Serious Offense

Driving under the influence, even in the case of illegal substances, is a very serious offense. At the least, you may be required to pay heavy fines and take driving classes. In severe cases, you may be looking at jail time and complete loss of your license. The punishment for driving under the influence varies by jurisdiction, but the penalties are never mild.

Delta-8-THC May Appear as Delta-9-THC

It's also important to understand that while Delta-8-THC is federally legal, a drug test will not typically differentiate between different types of THC. That means that if you are pulled over for driving under the influence, your drug test will show that you've consumed THC, and it can be difficult to prove that you consumed legal Delta-8 products.

In other words, in addition to the harsh penalties for driving under the influence, you may also be held accountable for the possession or consumption of illicit, Controlled Substances if you live in an area where Delta-9-THC is illegal.

Alternative Relief While You Drive

If you're consuming Delta-8-THC for its recreational benefits, we suggest that you do so in a safe environment and make arrangements for transportation if necessary. If you are using Delta-8-THC for its health benefits, especially on a regular or daily basis, this may not be so simple.

Still, driving under the influence of Delta-8 is illegal and dangerous, no matter what the reason. If you find that you need to drive but still need relief from various symptoms, like pain, anxiety, poor focus, or inflammation, you may want to consider trying CBD.

Like Delta-8, CBD is a legal phytocannabinoid derived from hemp material. But, unlike Delta-8, CBD is not psychoactive.

In other words, it may provide adequate relief in lieu of Delta-8-THC without disrupting your ability to drive or operate machinery. In fact, many people use a therapeutic routine that includes both CBD and Delta-8 on a regular basis. The two may work together to provide boosted benefits, or one may be better than the other in certain situations.

A girl measuring a dose of CBD oil to provide safe, non-psychoactive therapeutic relief before driving.

Can You Carry Delta-8-THC in Your Car?

So you can't drive while under the influence of Delta-8-THC, but can you still carry Delta-8 with you to enjoy at a friend's house, on vacation, or on an overnight trip? Typically, yes, you can carry Delta-8 in your car as long as you have not consumed Delta-8 prior to your trip.

You should also never consume Delta-8 products in your car, even while parked. There are some rules to follow, however, pertaining to traveling with Delta-8-THC, and the laws for carrying THC products in your car may vary by state. For more information, read “Can You Have Delta-8 in Your Car?”.

Where to Get Safe, Legal Delta-8-THC

Because Delta-8 is federally legal and legal in many states, you can buy it both in stores and online. However, many people buy Delta-8-THC online in order to more carefully review the product and the brand before they buy.

Vida Optima Elev8 Delta-8 Edibles

Not all Delta-8 is made equal, so you should look for a product made from high quality hemp material using safe manufacturing practices. Also make sure that the product is third-party tested to prove it's potency so that you will have accurate dosing information.

At Vida Optima, all of our products are fully Farm Bill compliant and made from high-quality, US grown hemp using industry leading extraction techniques. You can always view the third party lab test before you buy, and we're here to help if you don't know where to start. Check out our Elev8 Collection or read our Ultimate Delta-8 Guide for more information.


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